More than 1,300 registered for Maine Marathon

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — More than 1,300 runners are pounding the pavement for the Maine Marathon, a 26.2-mile race from Portland to Yarmouth and back.

The marathon, along with a half-marathon and other races, is being held Sunday morning. Organizers say more than 4,000 people are expected to take part in all the races.

As part of the races, 100 Maine soldiers are marching the entire marathon course in full uniform and combat boots while carrying 30-pound military backpacks in honor of service members who have been killed in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.